Adding batteries to EG4-6500 EX

[TJOPT]

Good evening everyone …

Currently have 2 6500-ex inverters. I have ordered 2 PowerPro batteries with my intention to add a 3rd. I do have the ability to cancel my order and will or won’t depending on the responses here. These are my questions:

1) would server rack batteries be a better choice. I want right at 40-50 kWhs. 3 power pros give me 42.9. 10 server rack batteries would give me 51.2.

2) Eg4 or SOK????

3) how important is comms with the battery? The inexpensive SOK is very appealing as I would be ordering 10. The lifepower4 is 100 more and it will communicate. Is comms worth an additional 1000?

Thank you to everyone in advance!
Tom

 

[Zapper77]

Good evening everyone …

Currently have 2 6500-ex inverters. I have ordered 2 PowerPro batteries with my intention to add a 3rd. I do have the ability to cancel my order and will or won’t depending on the responses here. These are my questions:

1) would server rack batteries be a better choice. I want right at 40-50 kWhs. 3 power pros give me 42.9. 10 server rack batteries would give me 51.2.

2) Eg4 or SOK????

3) how important is comms with the battery? The inexpensive SOK is very appealing as I would be ordering 10. The lifepower4 is 100 more and it will communicate. Is comms worth an additional 1000?

Thank you to everyone in advance!
Tom

I like using comms.

 

[TJOPT]

I like using comms.

Can you tell me why? I am just curious. I am in the process of putting together my system now

 

[Zapper77]

Can you tell me why? I am just curious. I am in the process of putting together my system now

SOC readout vs Voltage. Only time Voltage is useful is when the SOC is >98% or under 20%

 

[Adam De Lay]

1) would server rack batteries be a better choice. I want right at 40-50 kWhs. 3 power pros give me 42.9. 10 server rack batteries would give me 51.2.

It’s probably up to you whether or not you have the space for one type vs the other.

3) how important is comms with the battery? The inexpensive SOK is very appealing as I would be ordering 10. The lifepower4 is 100 more and it will communicate. Is comms worth an additional 1000?

I never ran comms on my 6500s (granted I only have DIY batteries). I seemed to hear of more issues with people trying to set them up and get them working. I just used a smart shunt and Solar Assiatant to keep track of my SOC.

 

[Zapper77]

Solar Assiatant to keep track of my SOC.

I concur shunt and SA.

 

[TJOPT]

It’s probably up to you whether or not you have the space for one type vs the other.

I never ran comms on my 6500s (granted I only have DIY batteries). I seemed to hear of more issues with people trying to set them up and get them working. I just used a smart shunt and Solar Assiatant to keep track of my SOC.

Thank you. My assumption is this Victron smart shut will work with the 6500-EX unit

 

[TJOPT]

I concur shunt and SA.

Thank you for everything. This is very good information